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Pathways: High Intensity Substance Abuse Program

Reach:

QLD, WA

Focus area:

Mainstream with Indigenous content

Status:

Current

Overview

Run by Queensland (Qld) Corrective Services and the Department of Corrective Services, Western Australia (WA), Pathways: High Intensity Substance Abuse Program is an evidence-based treatment program for adults with a history of criminal conduct and alcohol and other drug use problems.

Lasting 21 weeks, the program uses a cognitive behavioural approach to change antisocial thinking and behaviour and to enhance prosocial thinking, attitudes and beliefs, in order to assist offenders avoid both recidivism and relapse.

The program is built around key topics for self-improvement and change, including:

engaging in a working alliance based on trust

self-assessment and evaluation through self-disclosure and receiving feedback

developing knowledge about the processes of change, patterns of alcohol and other drug use, criminal thinking and behaviour, the principles of relapse and recidivism prevention, and increasing awareness of self and others

living a meaningful, respectful and responsible life

applying knowledge and skills learnt via the program to prevent relapse and recidivism, establish self control, develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, and establish a positive and harmonious relationship with their local community and the wider society.